Sketches of the campaign in northern Mexico : in eighteen hundred forty-six and seven / by an officer of the First Regiment of Ohio volunteers.

14 TIHE ARMY OF OCCUPATION.
the war which it is not my purpose to discuss. Non nostrum
tantas comnponere lites.
Pending the settlement of the interesting ante-nuptial contracts between "Uncle Sam " (who, besides being a sad old
Mormon in his polygamous tendencies, has a decided penchant for the dark-eyed daughters of the South) and Texas,
and which resulted in their union; the troops of the former
were sent to occupy a convenient position in the territory of
the latter, with a view of meeting promptly any presumptuous Mexican knights who might approach to forbid the bans.
The command of this " Army of Occupation "' was entrusted
to General Z. Taylor, whose prudence and firmness eminently
qualified him for a task of such importance and delicacy.
From August, 1845, to March, 1846, he remained encamped
at Corpus Christi, a healthful and convenient location on the
coast of Texas. Miany years had elapsed since so large a
portion of our army had been concentrated in the field, and
the general commanding availed himself of the opportunity
to establish a system of instruction and discipline, which contributed greatly to its subsequent success.
Meanwhile the annexation of Texas-the ccasus beli- was
consummated. The " lone star " was added to our glorious
banner, and the President announced the event as a bloodless
achievement.
But he, and all of us, learned ere long that
"Those who in quarrels.interpose,
Must often wipe a bloody nose."
Our government, believing that the limits of the new state
extended to the Rio Bravo del Norte, instructed General Tay